Cannon: meaning, definitions and examples

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cannon

 

[หˆkanษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

weapon

A large, heavy piece of artillery, typically mounted on wheels, formerly used in warfare.

Synonyms

artillery, gun, howitzer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cannon

Commonly refers to a large, heavy piece of armament used historically in warfare, often mounted on wheels or a fixed base. Suitable for discussing historical battles or traditional military equipment.

  • The pirate ship was armed with several cannons.
  • During the medieval siege, the fortress walls were bombarded by cannons.
artillery

A broad term that encompasses all heavy military weapons designed to launch munitions far beyond the range of infantry weapons. Useful in general discussions about military arms and modern warfare.

  • The artillery units were positioned on the hill to provide cover fire.
  • Artillery barrages are often used to soften enemy defenses before an infantry assault.
gun

A general term for any firearm, from small arms like pistols and rifles to larger weapons. Suitable for everyday conversations about firearms or when the type of the weapon is not specified.

  • The police officer drew his gun during the standoff.
  • Hunters often use rifles, a type of gun, for big game hunting.
howitzer

A type of artillery piece with a relatively short barrel used for firing shells at high trajectories with a steep angle of descent. Often used in more technical or military contexts, particularly in modern warfare discussions.

  • The military deployed several howitzers to provide indirect fire support.
  • Howitzers are capable of hitting targets that are not in direct line of sight.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers loaded the cannon with gunpowder and a cannonball.
  • The sound of the cannon firing echoed across the battlefield.
Context #2 | Noun

sport

A cylindrical metal container filled with balls or other projectiles used to fire at targets in a sport or game.

Synonyms

gun, launcher, shooter.

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Word Description / Examples
cannon

A powerful, heavy-duty weapon aboard military ships or planes, used in modern warfare.

  • The fighter jet is equipped with a high-powered cannon.
  • The tank's cannon is capable of destroying armored vehicles.
launcher

A device used to propel projectiles, such as grenades or rockets, used in military or specialized operations.

  • The soldier aimed the rocket launcher at the enemy vehicle.
  • They used the grenade launcher to clear the bunker.
gun

A handheld weapon that shoots bullets, commonly used in personal defense, law enforcement, or hunting.

  • The police officer drew his gun during the robbery.
  • She practices shooting her gun at the range weekly.
shooter

A person who fires a gun or a player in shooting sports or video games. It can have a negative connotation if used to describe someone involved in a shooting incident.

  • He is an excellent shooter on the basketball team.
  • The shooter was apprehended after the incident, preventing further harm.

Examples of usage

  • The tennis player served an ace with a powerful cannon.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'canna', meaning 'tube' or 'pipe', illustrating the cannon's cylindrical shape.
  • Initially referred to large tubes used for shooting projectiles in the 14th century, the term evolved to refer to the artillery we know today.

Historical Significance

  • Cannon played a pivotal role in maritime warfare, particularly during the Age of Sail, changing the landscape of naval battles.
  • The introduction of cannons in warfare marked a shift from knights and castles to gunpowder-based combat strategies, influencing the design of fortifications.

Science and Technology

  • Cannons utilize the rapid expansion of gases from burning gunpowder to launch projectiles at high speeds.
  • The physics behind cannons involves concepts such as force, trajectory, and gravity, illustrating fundamental principles of mechanics.

Pop Culture

  • Cannons frequently appear in movies and video games, symbolizing adventure, war, and conflict, often portrayed in a dramatic or comedic manner.
  • Popular pirate movies often depict cannon battles aboard ships, reflecting the historical reality of naval confrontations.

Literature

  • In many classic novels, cannons symbolize power and destruction, reflecting the tumultuous periods during which these stories were written.
  • The use of cannons can often be found in war poetry, illustrating the chaos and consequences of battles.

Translations

Translations of the word "cannon" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น canhรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคคเฅ‹เคช

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Kanone

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ meriam

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะฐั€ะผะฐั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ armata

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅคง็ ฒ (ใŸใ„ใปใ†)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท canon

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ caรฑรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท top

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋Œ€ํฌ (daepo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฏูุน (madfaสฟ)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ dฤ›lo

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ kanรณn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅคง็‚ฎ (dร pร o)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ top

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ fallbyssa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะทะตาฃะฑั–ั€ะตะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ–แƒแƒ แƒ‘แƒแƒ–แƒแƒœแƒ˜ (zarbazani)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ top

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ caรฑรณn

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,034 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.